September 2026 Newsletter
Badger Bash Blast
Photo Caption: The AFA ConfiDance Crew posed for a photo after their performance with UW Marching Band Director Corey Pompey. Photo Credit: Jack Pantaleo
On Saturday, September 12, the AFA ConfiDance Crew performed in front of an excited crowd as the UW Badger band performed the crowd favorite "The Horse" at Badger Bash. It was a wonderful experience for AFA's young performers to join in on Badger Bash festivities. Thank you to the UW-- Madison for understanding the importance of inclusion!
Want to have the AFA ConfiDance Crew perform at your event? Contact Sarah Jacobson, Director of Dance Education, at sarah@artsforallwi.org.
Inner Realms
Photo Caption: Paulina Ivanova's stunning artwork investigates the unseen dimensions of the human experience.
Inner Realms: An Arts for All Wisconsin Benefit Exhibition began with an opening reception, bringing community members together to share their appreciation for artistic expression. Featured artists Zelda Bean, Alan Wiltgen, and Pita Daniels attended to speak to patrons about their art processes and what Arts for All Wisconsin means to them.
This benefit exhibition, held by Carnelian Art Gallery, explored and brought awareness to mental health, while helping AFA raise funding to continue our arts programming for people with disabilities.
Photo Caption: Zelda Bean poses in front of her art at the Inner Realms opening reception.
"Like Picasso, I could draw a picture at a young age. I use my schizoaffective disorder to my advantage to use the connections I see to make beautiful art. The opening reception was the best night of my life. Thank you arts for All Wisconsin and Carnelian Art Gallery!" —Zelda Bean
Though the benefit exhibition has ended, the need for support continues. Please consider a tax deductible donation or art purchase by the Wisconsin artists with disabilities we represent.
AFA Opportunities
Arts Programming: Join our choirs or art, music, and 2D/3D arts classes! • Appleton, Madison, Milwaukee, Wisconsin Rapids, and Virtual Options
SPARK!: Attend our free monthly arts and culture program for people with memory loss and their care partners to attend together. • First Friday of each month • Madison, WI
Independence Call for Creativity: Submit any style of art with the theme of independence • Deadline extended to October 26, 2026 • Statewide
Friday Night Dance Party: Join us for an evening of dancing, refreshments, and fun • October 2, 2026 • Madison, WI
Fall Gallery Night: Support AFA and people with disabilities by joining us at the Madison Youth Arts Center (MYArts) to experience and purchase art • November 6, 2026 • Madison, WI
SPARK! Creative Engagement Conference: Arts for All Wisconsin will be hosting this year's SPARK! Alliance conference to provide opportunities for SPARK! programming training and learn more about brain health, creative engagement, and best practices for interacting with people with dementias • November 9 and 10, 2026 • Madison, WI
Community Opportunities
The Kennedy Center: Access/VSA is seeking artists with disabilities to submit artwork to their upcoming juried exhibition "Thrive" • November 19, 2026 • Nationwide
Camp Createability: Get creative with paper, texture, and found materials at Junk Journal Labs • Second Monday of Each Month • Madison, WI
Minds in Motion: Presented by the Aging & Disability Resource Center of Dane County, a program for anyone experiencing changes in memory and thinking • Fourth Tuesday of Every Month • Madison, WI
Adoption Choice: This Call for Art for for anyone who has been impacted by adoption to have their art featured in a traveling exhibit across Wisconsin • Ongoing through 2026 • All of Wisconsin
Artist Co-Op Studio Space: Artists can apply for a new co-op studio space • Ongoing • Madison, WI
Bloom 360: A creative next step after high school where neurodivergent adults build confidence, friendships, and real-world skills by running microbusinesses. • East Troy, WI
UW-Madison People & Robots Laboratory: Participate in a research study for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to provide feedback about a robot being developed to help people with disabilities at work • Ongoing • Madison, WI
Your Financial Support Is Essential
Help us sustain our arts programs for children and adults with disabilities by donating today.
Want to Purchase AFA Merchandise?
Join in on representing AFA while supporting out cause. Get our name out there with a sweatshirt, mug, or more!
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